Plan International to launch funding mechanism for youth-led climate solutions

Plan International Bangladesh has announced plans to launch a flexible funding mechanism for youth-led climate solutions in early November 2026, aiming to help young people turn promising ideas into tested, sustainable and scalable initiatives.

The announcement came at a dialogue titled "From Climate Finance to Youth Action: Access, Opportunities and Barriers for Young People", held at BRAC University in Dhaka as part of the Regional Conference of Youth – Asia and the Pacific 2026, according to the press release.

The proposed mechanism seeks to make financing more accessible to young climate leaders. Details of its design, eligibility requirements and application procedures will be announced at the official launch.

The dialogue brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, climate finance institutions, development practitioners and young climate leaders to examine barriers to accessing funding.

Participants highlighted a gap between the growing recognition of young people as climate leaders and their limited access to financial resources.

Discussions covered legal and institutional eligibility requirements, limited understanding of climate finance, complex application and compliance procedures, and the lack of accessible funding options for emerging youth-led initiatives.

Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Managing Director Kazi Rawnaqul Islam highlighted the government's commitment to supporting young climate leaders.

"The Government of Bangladesh is willing and looking forward to investing in youth-led climate initiatives," he said.

Centre for Participatory Research and Development Chief Executive Md Shamsuddoha emphasised the importance of consistency and developing distinctive solutions.

"Youth-led initiatives should demonstrate consistency, and their products and solutions must establish their own niche. This is essential for building credibility and long-term sustainability," he said.

Green Climate Fund Liaison Officer in Bangladesh Juel Mahmud called for stronger climate finance literacy among young people.

"Young people must explore the different avenues of climate finance. Strengthening climate finance literacy should be a priority," he said.

He highlighted the need to understand financing instruments, eligibility requirements and the different ways of accessing funds.

German Embassy Deputy Head of Development Cooperation Jannis Hussain encouraged young climate leaders to pursue financing opportunities with confidence.

"Young people should not feel discouraged or afraid to seek financing to implement their ideas and initiatives," he said.

Global Strategic Communications Council Bangladesh Lead Farah Anzum called for stronger institutional support.

"Climate finance must move beyond promises and create real possibilities for young people. Stakeholders must place their trust in youth-led initiatives," she said.

Plan International Bangladesh Programme Manager for Climate Change and Resilience and Portfolio Lead Kamrul Hasan Shawon presented "Youths in Climate Finance – What Does the Evidence and Practice Tell Us?"

The presentation examined three themes: "The Maze", "The Mirror" and "The Bridge". These covered structural barriers within financing mechanisms, the need to strengthen young people's financial literacy and organisational readiness, and developing solutions that could be tested, sustained and expanded.

Drawing on examples from climate-adaptive agriculture, green enterprises and ecosystem-based adaptation, the discussion highlighted the need for financing beyond conventional grants.

Participants noted that different solutions required different forms of support, including catalytic grants, enterprise financing, partnerships and suitable intermediaries.

An interactive "Access–Barrier–Opportunity Dialogue" allowed young participants and climate finance stakeholders to discuss practical ways to improve access to funding, strengthen preparation and give young people greater ownership of climate solutions.

Speakers emphasised that meaningful youth participation must extend beyond representation in consultations and policy discussions. It requires accessible resources, institutional trust, suitable financing instruments and sustained investment in young people's capabilities.

Plan International Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to supporting climate action led by girls and young people and building partnerships that turn their ambitions into practical, sustainable outcomes.